Cranberry Brie Bites With Puff Pastry – Easy, Festive, and Crowd-Pleasing

These Cranberry Brie Bites with puff pastry are the kind of appetizer that vanishes as soon as they hit the table. They’re buttery, flaky, slightly sweet, and perfectly creamy—everything you want in a bite-sized party snack. The best part?

They look fancy but take very little effort. You can prep them ahead, bake them in minutes, and watch everyone ask for the recipe. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these bites earn their spot.

Why This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe Works

• Balanced flavors: Creamy brie pairs beautifully with tart cranberry sauce and a hint of sweet honey or jam, creating a perfect bite.
• Simple ingredients, big results: Store-bought puff pastry gives you layers of flaky goodness without any fuss.
• Customizable: You can swap in different jams, add nuts, or drizzle with hot honey for a little kick.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the cups, chill, and bake just before serving for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
• Perfectly portioned: Baked in a mini muffin tin for neat, two-bite appetizers that are easy to serve and eat.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Brie Bites

• Puff pastry: 1 sheet, thawed (store-bought is perfect)
• Brie cheese: 8–10 ounces, rind on or off (your call)
• Cranberry sauce: 1/2 to 3/4 cup (homemade or canned; whole berry works best)
• Honey or maple syrup: 1–2 tablespoons (optional, for sweetness)
• Fresh rosemary: 1–2 sprigs, finely chopped (optional, for aroma and color)
• Orange zest: 1 teaspoon (optional, brightens the cranberry)
• Chopped nuts: 2–3 tablespoons (pecans or walnuts; optional for crunch)
• Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for glossy edges)
• Cooking spray or butter: For greasing the mini muffin tin
• Flour (a little): For dusting the work surface when rolling pastry

Instructions for Cranberry Brie Bites

1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
2. Thaw the pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, let it thaw in the fridge until pliable but still cool. Cold dough puffs best.
3. Roll and cut: Dust your counter with a little flour. Roll out the puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square.Trim edges if needed, then cut into 24 small squares.
4. Fit the cups: Press each pastry square gently into a mini muffin cup, letting the corners point up like little stars. Don’t press too tightly.
5. Portion the brie: Cut the brie into 24 small cubes (about 3/4-inch). You can leave the rind on—it melts fine and adds flavor—or trim it if you prefer a softer texture.
6. Fill the pastry: Place a cube of brie into each pastry cup.Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. If using, add a tiny drizzle of honey or a pinch of orange zest. Sprinkle a few chopped nuts and a small pinch of rosemary.
7. Optional egg wash: Brush exposed pastry edges lightly with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
8. Bake: Place the tin on the center rack and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the brie is melted.
9. Cool briefly: Let the bites rest in the tin for 3–5 minutes to set.Then loosen edges with a small knife and transfer to a serving plate.
10. Finish and serve: Optional: Drizzle with a touch more honey, add a tiny rosemary leaf for presentation, and serve warm.

How to Store Cranberry Brie Bites

• Short-term: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave—it makes the pastry soggy.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked, assembled bites in the muffin tin until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 14–17 minutes.

Why This Cranberry Brie Bites Is Good for You

• Portion control: These are naturally bite-sized, making it easier to enjoy a treat without overdoing it.
• Real ingredients: Brie offers protein and calcium, and cranberry sauce adds antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Balanced satisfaction: The mix of fat, carbs, and a little sweetness makes these more satisfying than many ultra-processed snacks, helping curb mindless grazing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Warm pastry: If the puff pastry gets too warm, it won’t puff well.Keep it chilled and work quickly.
• Overfilling: Too much cranberry or brie can bubble over and stick. A teaspoon of sauce and a small cube of cheese are enough.
• Skipping the grease: Even nonstick pans need a little spray or butter to prevent sticking.
• Not letting them set: Move them too soon and they can collapse. A few minutes in the tin helps the cheese settle.
• Microwaving leftovers: This makes pastry limp.Reheat in the oven for crisp, flaky layers.

Recipe Variations of Cranberry Brie Bites

• Apple Brie Bites: Swap cranberry sauce for a tiny spoon of apple butter or sautéed diced apples with cinnamon.
• Fig and Walnut: Use fig jam and toasted walnuts or pistachios, then finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Pepper Jelly Heat: Top the brie with red pepper jelly and a sprinkle of scallions for a sweet-spicy kick.
• Savory Herb: Mix a little Dijon mustard with the brie and top with caramelized onions and thyme.
• Hot Honey Cranberry: Use cranberry sauce and finish with hot honey and crushed pecans.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry or try mini phyllo cups (no rolling needed; just fill and bake).

FAQ

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

You don’t have to. The rind is edible and softens as it bakes. If you prefer a smoother bite, trim it, but you’ll lose a bit of structure and flavor.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes.

Brush a few layers of phyllo with butter and press into the muffin tin, or use ready-made mini phyllo shells. Bake until golden, but expect a lighter, crispier texture.

What kind of cranberry sauce works best?

Whole berry cranberry sauce works best because it has texture and holds its shape. Jellied sauce can work but may spread more.

How far ahead can I prep these?

You can assemble the bites up to 24 hours ahead.

Keep the tin covered in the fridge and bake just before serving. Add nuts right before baking so they stay crunchy.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

Use a regular muffin tin and cut larger pastry squares. Add more brie and sauce per cup, and bake a few minutes longer until golden.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Keep everything cold before baking, avoid overfilling, and bake until the pastry is well-browned.

Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, to restore crispness.

Can I make them vegetarian?

They already are, as long as your brie uses vegetarian rennet. Check the label if that’s important to you.

What wine pairs well with these bites?

A crisp sparkling wine, a dry rosé, or a light pinot noir pairs nicely with the creamy brie and tart cranberry.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Brie Bites with puff pastry are proof that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. They’re elegant enough for holidays but easy enough for any weeknight gathering.

Keep a box of puff pastry in the freezer, a wedge of brie in the fridge, and a jar of cranberry sauce in the pantry, and you’re always ten minutes away from a crowd-pleaser. Serve warm, watch them disappear, and enjoy the compliments.